The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Brechin man was A94 crash victim
William Barclay was well-known businessman in Angus town
A man killed in a car crash at an Angus accident blackspot was “a likeable and honourable” local businessman, well known in sporting circles.
Brechin man William Barclay, 68, died following the three-vehicle collision on the A94 Coupar Angus to Forfar road near Eassie on Friday.
His name was released by police yesterday. The former painter and decorator was described as a popular character, who had made a positive contribution to the community.
Brechin and Edzell Conservative councillor Gavin Nicol led the tributes, saying: “Mr Barclay was a very likeable and honourable man.”
Fellow Brechin councillor Bob Myles said: “If the investigation into the incident raises any issues, then lessons must be learned if other tragedies can be avoided.”
Tributes have been paid to a well-known Brechin man who lost his life in a tragic road accident.
William Barclay, 68, who was a former painter and decorator, was also involved in local football circles and was a popular character in the town.
Mr Barclay, who lived with his wife, died in a three-vehicle collision on the A94 Coupar Angus to Forfar road, near Eassie, on Friday.
Brechin and Edzell councillor Gavin Nicol, who knew Mr Barclay from his time as a painter, led the tributes.
He said: “Mr Barclay was a very likeable and honourable man, and I had a lot of dealings with him over the years.
“Our previous firm would construct around 14 properties per year, and Mr Barclay decorated every single one of them, as well as my own home and my mother’s home.
“An excellent tradesman, he started a small painting and decorating firm, which went on to become an extremely successful business, with a lot of employees.
“He was an athletic man, and always well turned out.
“He was also a very popular figure, who made a positive contribution to the community – I know he will be sorely missed.”
Fellow Brechin councillor independent Bob Myles described the incident as a “tragic accident”.
He said: “I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Barclay.
“This is a tragic accident that happened on what is something of a notorious blackspot.
“If the investigation into the incident raises any issues, then lessons must be learned if other tragedies can be avoided.”
Tayside police division confirmed inquiries into the incident are ongoing and thanked members of the public who have come forward with information.
The crash took place at about 1.25pm on Friday and involved a red Ford Transit van, a black Renault Kangoo and a black Volkswagen Polo.
The two other drivers suffered minor injuries in the collision.
Fire and Rescue appliances from Alyth and Kirriemuir were called to the scene and two ambulances from the Scottish Ambulance Service were also in attendance.
He was a very popular figure who made a positive contribution